10-KPeriod: FY2013

GENERAL DYNAMICS CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2013

Filed February 7, 2014For Securities:GD

Summary

General Dynamics Corporation (GD) reported solid financial performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013, demonstrating resilience in a challenging defense spending environment. The company's diversified business segments, including Aerospace, Combat Systems, Marine Systems, and Information Systems and Technology, collectively generated $31.2 billion in revenues. While U.S. government revenue, which constitutes the majority of the company's business, saw a slight decline, this was largely offset by robust growth in the Aerospace segment, driven by strong demand for Gulfstream business jets, particularly the newer G650 and G280 models. The company also reported improved operating earnings and margins compared to the prior year, largely due to a significant goodwill impairment charge recorded in 2012, demonstrating operational efficiency and effective cost management. Looking ahead, General Dynamics remains focused on disciplined execution, efficient cash flow conversion, and prudent capital deployment. The company's substantial backlog, exceeding $46 billion at year-end 2013, provides visibility into future revenues across its defense and aerospace businesses. Management highlighted continued investment in research and development, particularly in new aircraft products and technologies, to sustain long-term growth. The company also maintained a strong balance sheet with healthy cash generation, enabling continued share repurchases and dividend increases, signaling confidence in its financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.

Financial Highlights

55 data points
Beta

Revenue

$30.93B

17.7% Gross Margin

Net Income

$2.36B

7.6% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$6.67

Total Assets

$35.47B

Cash & Equivalents

$5.30B

Free Cash Flow

$2.67B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$30.93B
Cost of Revenue$25.45B
Gross Profit$5.48B
Operating Expenses$27.24B
Operating Income$3.69B
Interest Expense$103.00M
Net Income$2.36B
EPS (Basic)$6.72
EPS (Diluted)$6.67
Shares Outstanding (Basic)350.71M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)353.50M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues of $31.2 billion, with the Aerospace segment showing strong growth (17.4% increase) driven by Gulfstream aircraft deliveries.
  • 2Operating earnings significantly improved to $3.7 billion, and operating margins expanded to 11.8%, largely due to the absence of a large goodwill impairment charge recorded in the prior year.
  • 3The U.S. government remained the largest customer, accounting for 62% of revenues, though this segment saw a slight decrease.
  • 4A substantial backlog of $46 billion provides revenue visibility for future periods.
  • 5The company demonstrated strong cash flow generation, with net cash provided by operating activities at $3.1 billion.
  • 6General Dynamics returned capital to shareholders through increased dividends and significant share repurchases.
  • 7Investment in R&D continues, with a focus on new products and technologies, particularly in the Aerospace segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth in 2013 was the Aerospace segment, which saw a 17.4% increase due to higher deliveries of Gulfstream G650 and G280 aircraft. This growth helped offset a slight decrease in revenues from the U.S. government segment.

The company's operating earnings and margins significantly improved in 2013. This was largely due to the absence of a large goodwill impairment charge of $2 billion recorded in the Information Systems and Technology group in 2012. Furthermore, the company implemented cost reduction initiatives, particularly in the Combat Systems segment, and benefited from improved operating performance across its businesses.

While U.S. government revenue constitutes the largest portion of General Dynamics' business (62% in 2013), it experienced a slight decline. The report notes that defense spending remains under pressure due to federal budget constraints. However, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 provided near-term stability for FY 2014 and 2015. The company believes its diverse programs and proven execution capabilities position it well to navigate the defense budget environment.

General Dynamics is returning value to shareholders through consistent dividend increases and a robust share repurchase program. The company increased its quarterly dividend for the 16th consecutive year and repurchased approximately 9.4 million shares in 2013, with further significant repurchases planned and initiated in early 2014.